How accurate is Birdsong's bird identifier?

It runs Google's Perch, a research-grade acoustic model covering nearly 15,000 species. When a call is ambiguous, we say so honestly and let you record a second clip to confirm, rather than guessing.

Is my recording stored?

No. Your audio is used to identify the bird in the moment and isn't saved to our servers. The birds you confirm are kept as cards in your own field journal; the recordings themselves are not.

Is the bird identifier free?

Yes — identify birds every day for free, no account required. Birdsong Pro ($3.99/mo or $39.99/yr) unlocks unlimited IDs, full field guides, your growing collection, and shareable Field Report cards.

Do I need an account or internet to identify a bird?

You'll need a connection to identify, since the AI runs in the cloud. No account is needed to try it — sign in with Google or email to save your field journal and sync it across devices.

Birdsong field guide

Blue-whiskered Tanager

Tangara johannae

A striking and rare member of the Tangara genus, this bird is characterized by its vibrant green-gold plumage and diagnostic turquoise malar streaks.

What it sounds like

High-pitched, thin, and sibilant 'tsit' or 'seee' notes, typically rapid and piercing.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:35

Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species is named for its distinct turquoise-blue 'whiskers' or malar stripes set against a black facial mask.
It is a Chocó endemic, meaning its range is restricted to the humid lowlands and foothills of western Colombia and northwest Ecuador.
Classified as Near Threatened, its population is declining primarily due to rapid deforestation within its specialized habitat.
It frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving through the canopy alongside other tanagers and honeycreepers.
Unlike many relatives, it displays bright gold-edged wing feathers and a lime-green rump that creates a shimmering effect in flight.

Habitat

Humid lowland forests, tall secondary growth, and forest edges up to 1,000 meters in elevation.

Range

The Chocó bioregion of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Bay-headed TanagerTangara gyrola Beryl-spangled TanagerTangara nigroviridis Blue-and-black TanagerTangara vassorii Blue-browed TanagerTangara cyanotis Brassy-breasted TanagerTangara desmaresti Emerald TanagerTangara florida Flame-faced TanagerTangara parzudakii Gilt-edged TanagerTangara cyanoventris

Heard a Blue-whiskered Tanager?

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Identify a bird by its song